Amphiblemma cymosum (Schrad. & J.C.Wendl.) Naudin

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This very handsome species of Melastoma is a native of Sierra Leone, on the West coast of Africa.  We believe it was introduced into this country by our friend, Professor Afzelius, and is hitheto undescribed.  Our memoranda have been mislaid, but, if we mistake not, it belongs to the octandrous division, having eight stamens, three of which are sterile.  Requires to be kept in the stove, but is not so impatient of cold as might be susposed from the place of its natural growth.  Is propagated by cuttings.  Our plant was received from Mr. Loddiges, Hackney.’  [BM t.904/1806]. 

‘A very handsome tropical African Melastomaceous plant, which we believe to be identical with the Melastoma corymbosum of Sims, 1.c.; but there being no analysis of flowers there, and the fact of its now constituting a distinct genus, are circumstances which may justify us in giving a more perfect figure and description.  It is a stove-plant, and has been sent to us by the late Mr. Barter, Government Botanist in the last Niger Expedition, under Commander Baikie.’ [BM t.5473/1864].

History at Camden Park

Melastoma corymbosa was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP].  It is likely that these plants were sent to Camden but there is no record of it growing there.  It is possible that this plant is the unidentified species of ‘Melastoma species unidentifed’ first listed in the catalogues in 1850, which see.

Notes

Melastoma corymbosa Vahl. (1807) = Charianthus corymbosus (Rich.) Cogn.  This is a possible identification for Macarthur’s ‘Melastoma corymbosa’ but Amphiblemma cymosum is perhaps more likely given its origin from Kew Gardens.